Osage County’s Sheriff will continue to serve his jurisdiction for the time being. In a ruling by Cole County Judge Jon Beetem, he said Sheriff Michael Dixon did not receive a fair trial and has reversed the Missouri Department of Public Safety’s decision to revoke Dixon’s peace officer license.

Judge Jon Beetum

Judge Jon Beetum

The judge said there were several irregularities. One example given was the DPS’s release of a statement to media about the sheriff’s revocation before the sheriff had even received the final opinion. Judge Beetem ordered the Administrative Hearing Commission hold a new hearing for a “cause” determination.

Dixon pleaded guilty July 1, 2014, to a misdemeanor harassment charge rather than go to trial on a variety of charges, from tampering with a motor vehicle, sexual misconduct, third-degree assault, and stalking in exchange for two years probation.

The charges involved a female Belle police officer who had been part of his staff when he was Belle’s police chief. He was ordered to serve two years supervised probation, to complete training courses in sexual harassment and alcohol and drug treatment, and to not have any contact with the victim.